HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced on September 6, 2006, that the Mazda6 will be the three-millionth vehicle produced at AutoAlliance International, Inc. (AAI) plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. MNAO will donate the three-millionth vehicle, a Volcanic Red Mazda6 5-Door, to the victims of Hurricane Katrina through the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity®. Last year AAI raised $25,000 to support the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Mazda first began producing vehicles in the U.S. in 1987 at its Mazda Motor Manufacturing (USA) Corporation (MMUC) in Flat Rock, Michigan. In 1992, MMUC changed its name to AAI and formed an equal partnership between Mazda and Ford. Today, AAI is a plant that employs more than 3,700 workers. Past products produced at AAI include the Mazda MX-6, Mazda 626, Ford Probe and Mercury Cougar. Currently AAI produces the Mazda6 and Ford Mustang.

"Mazda's partnership with the AAI facility spans nearly 20 years," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "We couldn't be more thrilled to mark this new milestone with one of our own."

Habitat for Humanity is a worldwide ecumenical Christian housing ministry that works to develop communities for people in need by building and renovating houses so there are houses in decent communities in which every person can live.